DESCRIPTION: Set on 970 acres of lush, rolling hills and windswept meadows, Powell Gardens—Kansas City's botanical garden—offers breathtaking displays of intricate gardens, interesting architecture, a nature trail and a year-round calendar of special events, exhibits and classes for the entire family.
ADDRESS: 1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO 64061
LOCATION: 30 miles east of Kansas City
PHONE: 816-697-2600
WEBSITE: www.powellgardens.org
SOCIAL MEDIA:
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The 18,000-square-foot Visitor Education Center houses The Marketplace, Perennial Lounge, rentable classroom and event space, and a glass-topped conservatory.
- The Family Discovery Loop, a one-mile hike, meanders through wooded and aquatic ecosystems. A perfect hike for groups, families, and individuals.
- The Garden Galleries feature rotating exhibits as well as Powell Gardens’ arid collection and four living walls of succulents.
- Discover the Marlese Gourley Island Garden—this oasis includes more than 50 varieties of water plants in exquisite reflecting pools and water containers, a secret sunken garden/ and a 600-foot “living” rock wall, one of the largest of its kind in North America.
- The David T. Beals III Woodland & Stream Garden features a secret trail. Find it if you’re feeling adventurous!
- In the Heartland Harvest Garden, seasonal display beds inspire home gardeners and chefs to discover new color, creativity and plants with each visit.
- Children of all ages are invited to explore plants and nature in the two-acre Children’s Garden. A family friendly space, this special corner dedicated to children allows young gardeners to plant their own garden, walk on garden tool balance beams, explore a nearby colorful maze featuring a variety of sound elements, and play on a newly renovated playground.
- See four creations by world-renowned architect E. Fay Jones, including an inspirational nondenominational chapel.
GARDEN HOURS: Visit www.powellgardens.org/visit/plan-your-visit for current hours of operation. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and January - February. Opens March 1 for daily admission.
GENERAL ADMISSION: Adults $12, children (5-12) $5 and seniors $10. Children 4 and under are always free. Festival admission applies for certain events.
ANNUAL ATTENDANCE: Approximately 100,000.
HISTORY: In 1948, George E. Powell, Sr., a prominent Kansas City businessman, acquired the beautiful tract of land that is now Powell Gardens. In 1969, he donated the 640-acre farm to the Kansas City Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, who used it as a regional camp until 1984. Partnering with the University of Missouri’s School of Agriculture, the Powell Family Foundation then began developing a horticultural and natural resource facility. As a part of this project, the Powell Center retained Pittsburgh-based Environmental Planning and Design, the leading U.S. consultants for botanical gardens. The firm recognized that the site would be ideal for development as a botanical garden. In 1988, official ties with the University of Missouri ended and Powell Gardens Inc., a not-for-profit organization, was established.
WHERE TO EAT: Grab and go dining options are available in The Marketplace. Look for seasonal options during festivals.
ANNUAL SPECIAL EVENTS:
- Orchid Delirium (March-April)—The kick off to Powell Gardens’ spring season, this indoor orchid display immerses visitors in the color and beauty of orchids.
- Painted Garden (mid April-early May)—Celebrate the joy, color, beauty and creativity of nature. Painted Garden features spectacular botanical displays, inventive floral design, and rotating weekend activities for the whole family.
- Festival of Butterflies (late July-early August)—Experience hundreds of free-flying butterflies in several indoor and outdoor displays. With a summer vacation feel, this festival follows our favorite native winged pollinators as visitors learn all about caterpillars, butterflies, moths and the plants that sustain them.
- Dark Forest (October)—This fall-favorite event highlights Powell Gardens’ woods and trail system with an mystical, eerie experience presented in partnership with Quixotic. After your walk through the woods, cozy up to a fire pit with food, wine and conversation as we settle in for shorter days and cooler weather.
- Festival of Lights (early November-late December)—Enjoy a breath of fresh air during a hectic holiday season. Wander an outdoor walking path featuring immersive light installations that are grounded in nature and celebrate the natural joy of the holiday season.
DON’T FORGET: The gardens’ winding paths, wooded trails and large gardens, make comfortable walking shoes a necessity for those wanting to explore.
GROUP TOURS: Powell Gardens offers a variety of group tours to help navigate the Garden’s collection. Visit powellgardens.org/visit/plan-your-visit for more information.
PARKING: Parking at Powell Gardens is free during general admission. Parking fees may apply during festivals or special events.
PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Email marketing@powellgardens.org or call 816-697-2600.
